A nurse is reinforcing teaching a client who has peptic ulcer disease and is starting therapy with sucralfate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Take the medication with an antacid
Take the medication 1 hr before meals
Take as needed for pain relief
Store the medication in the refrigerator
The Correct Answer is B
Sucralfate is a medication commonly used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. It works by forming a protective barrier over the ulcer site, providing a physical barrier against gastric acid, and promoting the healing process. When teaching a client about sucralfate, it is important to provide instructions regarding its proper administration.
One of the key instructions is to take sucralfate 1 hour before meals. This timing allows the medication to form a protective coating in the stomach before food is ingested. Taking sucralfate on an empty stomach enhances its effectiveness in protecting the ulcer and promoting healing.
"Take the medication with an antacid" - Sucralfate should not be taken with an antacid. Antacids can interfere with the protective mechanism of sucralfate by neutralizing stomach acid, which is necessary for sucralfate to bind and form a protective coating. It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking sucralfate before taking an antacid.
"Take as needed for pain relief" - Sucralfate is not typically used for immediate pain relief in peptic ulcer disease. It is primarily used for its protective and healing properties. Pain relief is
usually addressed with other medications, such as antacids, acid-reducing medications, or pain medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
"Store the medication in the refrigerator" - Sucralfate does not require refrigeration. It should be stored at room temperature, away from excessive heat or moisture, as per the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer or healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
When the client experiences cramping during the enema administration, it indicates that the colon is becoming distended. By allowing the client to expel some of the fluid, the pressure in the colon is reduced, which can help alleviate the discomfort and cramping. The nurse should pause the administration of the enema and allow the client to release some fluid before continuing.
The other options mentioned are not appropriate or effective actions to relieve the client's discomfort:
Lowering the height of the solution container: Lowering the height of the solution container will decrease the force of the fluid flow but may not address the underlying cause of the cramping. Allowing the client to expel some fluid is a more appropriate intervention.
Stopping the enema and documenting that the client did not tolerate the procedure: While it is important to monitor the client's tolerance during the procedure, abruptly stopping the enema and documenting intolerance may not be necessary if the discomfort can be relieved by allowing the client to expel some fluid. The nurse should prioritize relieving the discomfort before deciding to stop the procedure.
Encouraging the client to bear down: Bearing down or pushing can increase intra-abdominal pressure and exacerbate the cramping. This action is not recommended in this situation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should measure the gastric residual before administering a feeding to identify delayed gastric emptying. Gastric residual refers to the volume of formula or contents remaining in the stomach from the previous feeding. Measuring gastric residual helps assess how well the client's stomach is emptying and can indicate if there is delayed gastric emptying.
By measuring gastric residual, the nurse can:
● Determine if the stomach has adequately emptied from the previous feeding. ● Assess the client's tolerance to enteral feedings.
● Detect signs of delayed gastric emptying, which can be indicative of gastrointestinal motility issues or other complications.
● Adjust the feeding rate or make other modifications to the enteral feeding plan based on the amount of residual volume.
Confirming the placement of the NG tube is typically done using other methods, such as an X-ray, pH testing, or auscultation of air insufflation. Gastric residual measurement primarily serves the purpose of assessing gastric emptying, rather than confirming tube placement.
While electrolyte imbalances can be monitored in the overall care of a client receiving enteral feedings, measuring gastric residual specifically focuses on assessing gastric emptying and feeding tolerance, rather than determining the client's electrolyte balance.
Removing gastric acid that might cause dyspepsia is not the primary purpose of measuring gastric residual. Gastric residual measurement aims to evaluate the volume of the previous feeding and assess gastric emptying, rather than focusing on dyspepsia specifically.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today